Nothing against Akron, but if you are comparing Akron to Pittsburgh's urban decay!?!....you have lost your mind. You have obviously not been to Pittsburgh in this decade. Pittsburgh is home to NHL, NFL & MLB, plus Duquesne and the University of Pittsburgh. Consol Energy Center-of the Penguins is brand new, PNC Park, Heinz Field, and the Petersen Event Center are all newer. The Rivers casino is brand new, and is awesome. They have beautiful waterfronts, Duquesne and Monongahela Inclines, Zoo, Aquarium, Conservatory, Botanical Gardens, Station Square and the Stript district. Pittsburgh is the world record holder for bridges (446) within city limits, beating out Venice, Italy, the previous record holder by 3 bridges. I would not lump Pittsburgh in with your urban decay examples.
Maybe you should change your screen name to Dr PittZip!